Former professional boxer Carl Froch believes that Tyson Fury’s age, lack of mobility, and the punishment he has endured in his fights indicate that he is no longer able to compete at the same high level as he did in the past. Froch doubts that Fury, who is 35 years old with a record of 34-0-1 and 24 knockouts, will be able to fulfill his five-fight plan for his next matches. According to Froch, this plan is unrealistic given the caliber of opponents Fury will face.
In his last bout, Fury narrowly escaped defeat against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in October. However, Froch suggests that if Fury had faced skilled boxers like Zhilei Zhang, Jared Anderson, or Filip Hrgovic, he would have likely lost. Froch points out that Fury is now getting hit more frequently than before and is not utilizing as many feints in his fights. This raises concerns about his ability to withstand the physical toll of the sport. Fury’s upcoming fight is against IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th, and Froch suggests that a significant loss could lead Fury to retire, unless he is enticed back by a lucrative offer.
The question of whether Fury’s decline is due to structural factors or an adaptive strategy is posed. Froch asserts that Fury’s increased vulnerability is a result of his advancing age and the toll it takes on his body. Simon Jordan asks if this means that Fury is structurally unable to compete anymore, to which Froch replies affirmatively. Froch observes that Fury now stands flat-footed and absorbs more punches, which is a departure from his previous style. Furthermore, Fury’s desire to continue fighting at the highest level is questioned, as Froch believes that he may not have five more fights left against top-level contenders.
When asked about a potential fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua, Froch admits that he still considers Fury the favorite, albeit not as much as six months ago before his fight with Ngannou. Froch also expresses doubt about Joshua’s ability to defeat Usyk. Spencer Oliver adds that Fury’s age and excessive weight have limited his mobility, making it difficult for him to move around the ring effectively.
In summary, Carl Froch believes that Tyson Fury’s advancing age, reduced mobility, and increased punishment in his fights indicate a decline in his ability to compete at the highest level. Froch doubts Fury’s ability to complete his five-fight plan and suggests that a significant loss against Usyk could lead to his retirement. Fury’s vulnerability and decreased movement are attributed to his age and excess weight. Despite these concerns, Froch still considers Fury the favorite in a potential fight against Anthony Joshua.
According to the Source boxingnews24.com